Sapa trekkings: Top 5 inspiring routes in Northern Vietnam

Sapa is renowned for its majestic limestone mountains, endless terraced rice fields, and the rich cultural heritage of its ethnic minorities. It’s also a favorite destination for trekking enthusiasts. Here, you can embark on one-day, two-day, or even longer hikes to fully experience the local way of life and the breathtaking natural landscapes.

Here are some recommended trekking spots in Sapa to help you explore this stunning mountainous region at its best.

Written by Anh TRUONG (local expert) Updated on 03-02-2025

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How many days for a trekking trip in Sapa?

Trekking is the best way to fully enjoy the beauty of a mountainous region like Sapa. Here, you can go on hikes ranging from easy to moderate or advanced levels, with 2-6 hours of trekking per day. For the more adventurous, a 3-4 day trek can be considered. You can spend a few nights with local families to better delve yourself into the local life.

If you’re short on time, a one-day organized trek in Sapa can still allow you to take in the region’s breathtaking landscapes. However, this option isn’t ideal, as the journey from Hanoi to Sapa is long and a single day of trekking can leave you exhausted. A 2-day trek is a more balanced choice, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

For a deeper experience, consider a 3 or 4-day trek. This allows you to fully plunge into the local culture, stay with ethnic minority families, and enjoy the region’s stunning scenery at a relaxed pace. Four days is often considered the perfect amount of time to truly discover Sapa’s charm. After your trek, you can use any remaining days to visit other nearby attractions.

Specifically, if you’d like to visit a weekly market, plan your trip around the market days: Can Cau Market (Saturday), Bac Ha Market (Sunday), Coc Ly Market (Tuesday), Sin Cheng Market (Wednesday), and Muong Hum Market (Sunday).

Best Trekking Spots

• Muong Hoa Valley

Located southwest of Sapa at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley is home to picturesque ethnic villages like Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van. Trekking through this valley offers a truly enriching experience, including the chance to interact with local ethnic minority communities and immerse yourself in their way of life.

• Y Linh Ho Village

Your journey begins with a descent along a trail or across a suspension bridge, leading you to Y Linh Ho Village, one of the most beautiful villages in Muong Hoa Valley. Here, you’ll find small houses scattered across the mountainside, surrounded by endless terraced rice fields.

Trekking is the only way to truly explore these local homes, making this village an ideal spot for a Sapa trek. As you wander through the village, you’ll encounter the Black Hmong people, dressed in their traditional dark indigo-dyed clothing, a mix of black and navy blue.

During your visit, you’ll also discover lush green cornfields, golden terraced rice paddies, and a unique cultural atmosphere that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the local community.

• Lao Chai Village

After Y Linh Ho village, Lao Chai village is also a good choice for a trek in Sapa. Lao Chai is a commune 7 km from Sapa town and populated by Black Hmong people. The local population is known for planting corn, cassava and especially for the fabulous field work. From a distance, houses look like mushrooms growing after the rain on a golden or green surface of the rice terraces.

• Ta Van Village

Located 4 km from Lao Chai, Ta Van Village is reached via a small, narrow road. This village is home to the Dzay ethnic group. While the Hmong prefer to live on steep slopes, the Dzay build their homes and farm in the lower valleys. Trekking to Ta Van offers the chance to admire stunning landscapes woven with terraced rice fields, towering mountains, and the daily life of the local inhabitants.

>>>Read more:  Top places to discover rice fields in Vietnam 

• Giang Ta Chai Village

Situated 18 km from Sapa town, Giang Ta Chai Village borders Ta Van Village. These two villages can be combined to create a unique trekking route: Lao Chai – Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai. This route is often regarded as one of the best for excursions and trekking in Sapa.

Giang Ta Chai is home to the Red Dzao people, who are known for their traditional black attire, including trousers and a long tunic with intricately embroidered cuffs and lapels. During your trek to this village, you’ll have the chance to explore breathtaking terraced rice fields, wander through lush bamboo forests, and discover stunning waterfalls.

• Ma Tra – Ta Phin Village

Ma Tra and Ta Phin are two villages located near Sapa town, inhabited by the Red H’Mong and Dzao ethnic groups. These villages are known for their majestic natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The 7 km trek from Ma Tra to Ta Phin offers breathtaking views of stunning terraced rice fields and an abundance of fruit trees, including peaches, pears, and plums. This route provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it a memorable experience for trekkers.

• Bac Ha

Tucked away in the northwest mountains, Bac Ha town is located just over a two-hour drive from Sapa and is one of the best destinations in the region for trekking. While quieter and less bustling than Sapa, Bac Ha is equally captivating with its serene and authentic trails.

>>> Read more: Bac Ha: 7 Highlights of Vietnam's northwest ethnic land

• Ethnic Villages

Bac Ha, a peaceful town in the northeast of Sapa, is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Colorful Hmong, Phu La, and Tay, who live together in harmony. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to meet the Colorful Hmong in Lau Thi Ngai and Ta Van Chu villages, the Phu La in Lung Phinh village, and the Tay in Thai Giang Pho and Na Lo villages.

Trekking through these ethnic villages allows you to observe the locals working in their cornfields and experience their traditional way of life. Spending a night in a local home is a must-do experience, offering a glimpse into their daily routines and the chance to learn the secrets of making corn alcohol. For more details, check out the The Best of Northern Vietnam in 7 Days: All-Inclusive.

In addition, you can discover by horse cart the village of Ngai Thau, inhabited by colorful Hmong. From there, you will walk up the corn hill to admire splendid landscapes through plum gardens. You will visit the houses of the locals to learn about the technique of weaving and dyeing.

• Bac Ha Weekly Markets

Weekly markets are undoubtedly a special feature of mountainous regions. Bac Ha weekly markets are where you immerse yourself in the colorful and particularly noisy atmosphere of an open-air market.

The market is generally divided into two main corners, one for buying bags, embroidered clothes, traditional medicines or bottled honey, the other for horses, dogs, cats... Here you can see the originality of the trade in poultry and livestock between local minorities.

>>>Learn more about:  Top 7 Must-Visit Ethnic Markets in North Vietnam

• Hoang A Tuong Residence

In a splendid natural landscape of terraced rice fields and mountains, there appears from afar an exceptional residence called the Hoang A Tuong Palace or the Palace of the Hmong King. This complex of the most powerful and important family of Bac Ha was built during 7 years (1914 – 1921).

This building is a blend of two styles of French and Asian architecture. It is designed by two architects, one French and one Chinese. This palace stands on a peaceful hill that offers panoramic views of the picturesque surroundings. Here, you immerse yourself in mysterious nature embellished with impressive architecture.

Learn more about the lives of Hmong people:

• Hmong New Year in Northern Vietnam and Laos: What Makes It Unique?
• The Hmong Ethnicity in Vietnam: History, Culture, and Language

• Sapa Town

Sapa town is an ideal destination for light hikes. A walk in Sapa town allows you to discover its Gothic church with remarkable colonial architecture still intact over time, its market and its small alleys with many shops.

• Other weekly markets

Weekly markets are a must-see stop during a Sapa trek. Besides Coc Ly and Bac Ha market in Bac Ha town, you can explore other authentic and less touristy ones like Can Cau (Saturday), Sin Cheng (Wednesday), Muong Hum (Sunday).

These markets are the place where ethnic harmony is always present. Here, ethnic groups exchange tools for working in the fields, food, poultry and livestock…

• Fansipan Mountain

Fansipan, is the highest peak in Vietnam and also a suitable site for treks of at least 3-4 days. However, with the altitude of 3147 m and winding and steep roads. Climbing Mount Fansipan is recommended with an excellent state of health. You may also like: What to do in Sapa

1. Sapa – Cat Cat Village – Sin Chai Village

• Duration: 1 day
• Distance: 7 kilometers
• Difficulty level: Easy

Start your day at Sapa Church and then head to Cat Cat Village, which is just 2.2 kilometers away. Upon arrival, purchasing an entrance ticket is required before exploring this enchanting village, renowned for its attractive views and rich local culture.

From Cat Cat, travel along the Muong Hoa Valley for about 3 kilometers to reach Sin Chai village. This unspoiled village, nestled in nature, attracts tourists with its unspoiled splendor and tranquil atmosphere. An ideal experience to explore the authenticity of Sapa in one day.

Please click on the "[ ]" at the top right for better visibility.

2. Sapa – Ta Phin – Ta Giang Phinh

• Itinerary: Suoi Ho – Ma Tra – Ta Phin – Phin Ho – Lu Khau – Kim Ngan – Ta Giang Phinh
• Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
• Distance: 42 kilometers

Day 1: Sapa – Ma Tra – Ta Phin (15 km)

At 9:30 am, start your trek from Sapa Church to Ma Tra village. Along the way, admire the beautiful rice terraces, like grandiose natural paintings, where the golden yellow of the fields illuminates the landscape. Once in Ma Tra, enjoy lunch and a moment of rest to recover your strength before continuing your journey.

Day 2: Ta Phin – Phin Ho – Lu Khau – Suoi Ho – Suoi Thau (18 km)

At 7:00 am, after a good breakfast, pack your things to head to Phin Ho, a village near Ta Phin and Ban Khoang. This 3-hour hike will take you through mountains, valleys and rice terraces. Once in Phin Ho, enjoy lunch and a relaxing time before continuing to Lu Khau village.

Along the way, discover rice fields and communities of the Red Dao and H'Mong. Don't miss a visit to the local trout farms, a unique and fascinating experience. In the afternoon, head to a more accessible asphalt road to reach the village of Suoi Thau, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Suoi Thau – Kim Ngan – Ta Giang Phinh – Sapa (13 km)

In the morning, explore Suoi Thau village and indulge yourself in the daily life of the Red Dao. Then, continue your trek to Gia Thau village.

At noon, continue with a short climb to reach Ta Giang Phinh in about an hour. There, visit a traditional H'Mong house to learn about their customs and traditions.

After this enriching experience, return to Sapa to conclude your trip. If you are tired, do not hesitate to take a taxi or motorbike taxi to reach the city center.

3. Ton Pass Tram – Mount Fansipan

• Duration: 2 days and 1 night
• Distance: 11.2 kilometers

Day 1: Tram Ton Pass – Camp at 2800 meters

Start your adventure from Tram Ton Pass to begin the ascent of Mount Fansipan. This challenging trekking trail offers majestic views of the surrounding mountains along the way. By the end of the day, reach an altitude of 2,800 meters, where you can set up camp, cook dinner, and enjoy a well-deserved night’s rest under the stars.

Day 2: Campsite – Summit of Mount Fansipan – Descent

Wake up early to witness an unforgettable sunrise, a magical moment that rewards all your efforts. After this spectacle, resume your trekking to reach the summit of Mount Fansipan in about 1h30. Once at the top, contemplate a breathtaking panoramic view that stretches as far as the eye can see. Take the time to savor this moment before starting the descent, saving your strength for the return to the starting point.

When is the best time to do a Sapa trek?

The period from September to November is ideal for a trekking experience in Sapa. At this time, the rice terraces turn golden during the harvest season, and it is also a good time to chase away the clouds. The weather is cool, without excessive cold, and rains are rare, making the trails more accessible and enjoyable.

Additionally, if your trip falls between January and March, you will have the opportunity to admire the flowers in full bloom despite the winter cold. Many traditional festivals are also held during this period, offering a unique cultural immersion.

However, it is advisable to avoid the summer season (May to August). During these months, Sapa experiences frequent rains, making the paths slippery, difficult and sometimes dangerous for trekking.

>>>Learn more about:  When is the best time to go and discover North Vietnam?

Important notes before your trip

• As the paths are inevitably uneven and sometimes steep, especially in the uphill and downhill areas, it is essential to be in good physical condition to succeed in your trekking in Sapa.
• Without a guide , you can still visit villages close to Sapa like Lao Chai and Ta Van with the help of a map. However, to explore more remote villages, it is highly recommended to be accompanied by a guide.
• With a guide , your trek becomes easier. The guide will help you find the most suitable trails among the different paths leading to the ethnic villages, thus facilitating your trekking. In addition, he will share with you valuable information about the culture and daily life of the local communities. Finally, he can serve as a translator if you wish to interact with the locals.
• If necessary, hire a local porter to assist you. Porter service costs around VND 500,000 to VND 600,000 per person .

Contacts of reliable carriers in Sapa:

• A Phu : 039.956.2014
• Phone : 0835.274.649

FAQs

When to go to Sapa in Vietnam?

Sapa, located in northern Vietnam, experiences four seasons and has an average annual temperature of 15°C, with highs reaching 30°C and lows below zero.

• Winter (December to February): Low temperatures, regular mists and uncultivated rice fields.
• Spring (March to May): Mild weather, abundant flowering and the start of rice transplanting, perfect for tourism.
• Summer (June to September): Intense heat and heavy rainfall are observed in June and July. In August-September, the spectacular scenery of golden rice fields and rice harvest is breathtaking.
• Autumn (October to November): The season is dry and sunny, ideal for discovering ethnic villages, even without the rice fields in operation.

Where to see rice fields in Sapa?

• Muong Hoa Valley: This valley, home to the villages of Lao Chai, Ta Van, Y Linh Ho and Hau Thao, offers breathtaking views of rice fields as far as the eye can see.
• Cat Cat Village: Located just 3 km from Sapa, this hamlet is renowned for its charming rice fields and its integration into H'mong culture.
• Ta Phin Village: Located 15 km from Sapa, renowned for its unspoiled landscapes and medicinal plant baths, characteristic of the Red Dao.
• Ban Ho Village: Located in a remote, mountainous environment, perfect for exploring rice fields off the beaten track.
• Nam Cang: This serene village, located 36 km away, attracts visitors with its preserved rice fields, far from the tourist hustle and bustle.

How to get from Sapa to Laos?

To travel from Sapa to Laos, follow these steps:

1. Sapa to Dien Bien Phu :

   • Take a sleeper bus or minivan. The journey takes about 10 to 12 hours due to winding and poor mountain roads.
   • Vehicles usually depart from Sapa in the morning and can pick you up directly from your hotel.

2. Dien Bien Phu on the border of Laos :

   • From Dien Bien Phu bus station, take a bus to the Tay Trang land border, which is about an hour's drive away.
   • At the border, you will need to obtain a Vietnam exit stamp and complete the formalities to enter Laos (prepare your passport, visa, and ID photos).

3. Crossing to Muang Khua, Laos :

   • After the formalities, the bus continues to Muang Khua, the first village in Laos. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.
   • The scenery is beautiful, with mountains and lush forests.

4. From Muang Khua to Luang Prabang :

   • From Muang Khua, take a longtail boat to Nong Khiaw, a journey of about 4 hours on the Nam Ou River.
   • From Nong Khiaw, take a bus or shared taxi to Luang Prabang, which can take another 3 to 4 hours.

How to get around Sapa?

To get around Sapa, you have several options:

1. Rent a motorbike : Ideal for exploring the region freely at your own pace. Remember to check the condition of the vehicle before leaving.
2. Take a xe ôm ( motorcycle taxi) : A practical choice to visit several tourist spots with a local guide.
3. Using a taxi : Perfect for groups or families, but limited to main roads.
4. Walking : A great way to fully enjoy the scenery, provided you are in good physical condition.

Read more: Hanoi to Sapa: The 3 Best Transport Options For Visitors

>>> Also read:

• 6 Most Majestic Trekking Spots in Vietnam
• Sapa or Pu Luong: Which highland retreat is right for you?
• Sapa or Ha Giang: 9 key differences to consider before your trip
• The Hmong Ethnicity in Vietnam: History, Culture, and Language
• Top Sapa Hotels and Homestays for the Perfect Laid-Back Retreat